Ljubljana, 24 February 2023 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel is on his second official visit to Slovenia. The leaders of both countries discussed bilateral relations, European issues, and cooperation between Slovenia and Benelux countries.
Benelux Countries is a phrase used to represent a group of countries located in northwestern Europe. The name emanates from the three nations in the region; Belgium, the Netherlands & Luxembourg.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shared their views about the awareness and respect for principles of democratic values and constructive dialogues.
The leaders expressed their preferences for strengthening their economic cooperation. They agreed to a dedicated engagement in space technologies within joint European Union projects.
Prime Minister of Slovenia praised Luxembourg’s leading role in space technologies and showed his interest in the cooperation of both counties in the field of advanced technologies.
He also approved of increased engagement in the huge banking and financial insurance sector of Luxembourg. He mentioned student exchange opportunities to enable an interdisciplinary educational sector and Luxembourg’s interest in the timber industry.
While the Prime Minister of Luxembourg pointed out the sanguine prospects of connecting the chambers of commerce of the two countries and formulating a joint business forum.
Both Luxembourg and Slovenia are among the group of counties, within the European Union (EU), committed to rule of law and sovereign EU.
The leaders of both countries agreed to solve the migration issue in Europe with earnestness. Building walls is not part of the solution rather it aggravates the situation.
Europe should be turned into a fortress. Prime Minister of Slovenia stressed the formulation of integration of migrant policies, in close collaboration with transit counties, and an open channel of negotiations with the counties of origin.
On the Ukraine war, Slovenia and Luxembourg agreed to resolve the issue through dialogues. Slovenian Prime Minister further stated that given the circumstances, Russia should be the first one to express its readiness for peace.
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The political dialogues between Slovenia and Benelux countries were also discussed during the visit. The Slovenian Prime Minister announced increased engagement with the Benelux counties.
The aim of coordination between Slovenia and Benelux counties is to concrete results on Western Balkans issues.
Slovenia and Luxembourg are like-minded countries. They share common interests and similar views on several issues ranging from politics to the European Union.
Prime Minister Bettel has visited Slovenia several times before. He extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Slovenia.
Furthermore, he called Slovenia an open and tolerant counties. Both countries expressed their willingness to engage and cooperate in multiple sectors.
